ASK THE HOLISTIC VET – Dr. Deva Khalsa – May 2019

Each month Dr. Deva Khalsa V.M.D. answers questions on veterinary issues. Dr. Khalsa is a Fellow and Professor of the British Institute of Homeopathy. Send your questions to [email protected] by the 6th of the month to be included in that month’s issue.

Dear Dr. Khalsa,

Our 2.5 year old cat has Feline Infectious Peritonitis. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thank you

Heather

Dr. Deva Khalsa:

Hi Heather. This is a very serious and terminal disease and a full consult with me would be recommended. That said, the remedy Pulsatilla is often indicated as the cats who tend to get FIP are very sweet and soft and loving . Apis mellifica is the remedy of choice to try to drain the abdominal fluid and Ptelia is a good remedy for the liver, as they tend to get jaundiced. Sometimes, one dose of Crotalis 200c is helpful.

Dear Dr. Khalsa,

My question is regarding my sweet cat Tiny. He frequently vomits soon after eating. I don’t know exactly what causes it besides the fact that he eats too quickly. We’ve tried splitting his meals into smaller portions, taking away the water bowl for a little while after eating (because he often laps it up very fast) and yet it still happens from time to time. It also seems like he burps after meals sometimes. He is a very sweet cat, follows me everywhere. He had an issue with crystals in his urine once and has been put on a particular diet to control it. He is on Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care wet and dry food. I think he’s been on that since he was young, around 1. He’s 6 now.

The only other interesting things about him, is there are times when he will meow and it appears that his jaw gets stuck open. Also, despite his affectionate nature, we cannot pick him up (even cut his nails). I tried Phosphorus at one point, but did not notice a difference.

Thank you!

Lisa Dalto

Dr. Deva Khalsa:

Just so you know, some crystals are normal in the urine. Some Triple Phosphate crystals are expected. Also, a urine has to be read within two hours of sampling as things change in it, some crystals growing and others dissolving. The pH is more important than diet as far as crystals growing and Crananimals has palatable cranberry and acidifying powders to put on their food. Also, Wysong pH is a very good product to acidify the urine. As far as vomiting, Phosphorus is the remedy for vomiting as soon as the food warms in the stomach and the personality of this remedy is a charming, life of the party sort of fella. Oftentimes they are orange cats with freckles. If this does not work, giving Nux vomica 6x once in the evening for a month or two may regulate his digestive system

Dear Dr. Khalsa,

Today the veterinarian said that my 5 year old cat has resorptive lesions in her mouth and recommended pulling one of her teeth. It’s not the most advanced stage. Is there a homeopathic remedy or other non-invasive means to fix this or prevent further problems?

Thank you

William Taylor

Dr. Deva Khalsa:

This is a bad disease and due to an immune reaction to the bacteria and the teeth. Many holistic vets, including myself, have torn their hair out trying to fix this holistically and it is pretty much a lost cause and pulling the tooth works out to be the easiest solution. There is both feline stomatitis and resorptive lesions and both due best with normal dental care. One thing is checking the vitamin D level and a test is available at www.deservingpets.com in addition to a very good quality vitamin D supplement. That said, once the tooth has degenerated it will not grow back.

Hello Dr. Khalsa,

I have an Australian sheep dog. He loves bones but I’m afraid of giving them to him. Bones sold in pet stores come with all kinds of warnings. Books on dogs also warn about bones. What’s the reality?

Lisa Martinez

Dr. Deva Khalsa:

There ain’t nothing like a good bone, as far as a dog is concerned. My book Dr. Khalsa’s Natural Dog, has a section on bones. Raw bones are just fine. Cooked or baked bones can be brittle and be a problem and the bone has to be the right size for the size of the dog. They’re REALLY good for tooth and gum health.

Hi Dr. Khalsa,

I’ve used homeopathy successfully over the years with my dogs and cats. The only thing I’m puzzled about is potency when treating chronic problems. Is there some best range of potencies for chronic problems in dogs and cats?

Thank you

Lee Walker

Dr. Deva Khalsa:

Good question. It really depends on the case and the remedy. Silica in low potency pushes out foreign bodies and makes an abscess drain. In higher potencies it dries up pus in an infection. One has to figure out the best route in each case. Younger animals can have higher potencies 200c and above and one dose and their vital force takes hold of the message and they respond quickly. 200c is a renegade potency and sometimes it works when the lower potencies do not.

Dear Dr. Khalsa,

My dog often tries to chomp down on bees. I’m worried about him one day catching a bee and getting stung. What should I have on hand in case that ever happens?

Dr. Deva Khalsa:

Apis mellifica 30c, and give it every 15 minutes for 4 doses and then once an hour.